Wildfire risk across British Columbia has reached a critical level, with 85% of the province at risk, according to the province’s premier Gordon Campbell.
Since April 1, 1,817 wildfires have been reported in the province, burning 51,042ha of forests and grasslands.
About half of those fires were human-caused. On July 30 alone, 171 fires were started, primarily by lightning.
Anybody found to be responsible for starting a wildfire faces penalties of C$10,000-C$100,000.
